3 water firms want to operate in Tacloban

THE water woes of Tacloban City might just come to an end after three Manila-based water companies separately signified their interests to explore the possibility of operating in the city.

Mayor Alfred Romualdez said if and when any of the three water companies would start their operations in the city, water problem could be a thing of the past.

"Of course, I welcome this (development). They have expressed their interests to explore the possibility of operating here in Tacloban. It's now under study," Romualdez said.

The Leyte Metropolitan Water District (LWMD) serves the water needs of Tacloban, together with the towns Palo, Tanauan, Tolosa, Dagami, Tabon-tabon, Sta. Fe and Pastrana.

Romualdez had complained on the poor quality of service of the LMWD. In several areas in the city, water problem is also pronounced.

One of the water companies that have signified interests to come to the city is the Maynilad Water Services Inc., one of the two water companies that operate in Metro Manila that is owned by the Benpres Holding.

The city mayor said the three water companies have already started their feasibility study for a possible operation in Tacloban.

"They could start soon," he said. "They have the technology and the experience."

He said that at this point, he could not provide details on this matter considering that all are still in the process of being studied.

But this early, Romualdez said, either of these companies could operate in the city under the build or operate transfer scheme or in partnership with the City Government.

Romualdez said he is positive that a private utility could help end the water woes of the thousand concessionaires of the city.

The city mayor lamented that while the bulk of the water concessionaires are from Tacloban, they do not get a fair service from the LMWD.

He said Tacloban has enough water sources that could be tapped by any of these private water companies.

Meantime, Romualdez said the City Government is slowly generating its own water sources, which they deliver to its various offices and outlets.

He said the water needs of the astrodome, slaughterhouse, city hospital and the city jail are being provided by the City Government and not from the LMWD. (Leyte Samar Daily Express)